Jul 6, 2022 2:30 PM
How Michael Weiss Found Himself
When DownBeat last ran an article about Michael Weiss, the occasion was the 1998 release of his second album, the…
“I came to terms with my influences — accepting that I love this or that player, but being comfortable in my own skin, recognizing that I have an identity,” Michael Weiss said.
Jul 6, 2022 2:30 PM
When DownBeat last ran an article about Michael Weiss, the occasion was the 1998 release of his second album, the…
“The power of unison is super,” Turner said. “It’s 10,000 years old, or more.”
Jun 27, 2022 5:00 PM
Mark Turner is sitting in a coffeehouse bakery in Westwood, California, talking in circles. Concentric, full circles,…
Black Lives—From Generation To Generation makes a multi-generational plea for equity and equality with artists like Alicia Hall Moran, left, and E.J. Strickland.
Jun 27, 2022 4:50 PM
In September 2020, in the wake of protests that rocked cities across the United States, DownBeat published a cover…
“I know that tensions are high and emotions are intense right now, but the beauty of music is beyond words,” Arriale said.
Jun 27, 2022 4:30 PM
Lynne Arriale honed her superb technical skills as a pianist and composer from rigorous training she received to become…
Benevento calls the outcome of his deep walk through polyrhythmic grooves, electrifying self-jams, West Africa-derived dance music, songs based on poetry and short lyrical ditties his “small batch psychedelia.”
Jun 27, 2022 4:20 PM
During his long break from the road due to the pandemic, Marco Benevento didn’t just sit at home and twiddle his…
“One thing I love about production is having to submit to a vision that isn’t 100% my own,” League said. “That ensures you have variety in your life.”
Jun 21, 2022 11:42 AM
Before he founded Snarky Puppy, Bokanté and GroundUP Productions, before he produced a Grammy-winning album, even…
“It’s a vibrant scene, impressive for the size of the town,” Pilc said of Montreal. “And it is more about exchange than competition.”
Jun 21, 2022 11:41 AM
It was June 2021, just after the end of an extended COVID-19 lockdown, that Alive–Live At Dièse Onze, Montréal, a…
The organic nature of Helfer’s artistry is genuine, developed over a lifetime of apprenticeship, appreciation and practice.
Jun 21, 2022 11:39 AM
Blues, boogie, jazz and American roots pianist Erwin Helfer is the unlikely-but-grateful poster boy for survival of the…
“I don’t want people on my bandstand counting measures,” Malinverni said.
Jun 21, 2022 11:36 AM
As Pete Malinverni worked his way through a set on a January night at The Django, a Manhattan night club, the pianist…
In this rare iteration of the DownBeat Blindfold Test, all three musicians were asked to comment on selections consisting entirely of trio music.
Jun 14, 2022 1:32 PM
Seeing a colorful press photo of Rudresh Mahanthappa and his bandmates adorned in masks, tights and capes might lead…